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A downdraft stove looks and operates much like a standard range, with the exception that a downdraft stove has a built-in venting system, which allows steam, gasses and grease from the cooking process to be captured and vented to the outside from beneath or behind the stove. This system eliminates the need for an overhead range hood, which allows the stove to be more easily installed in a kitchen where an overhead-mounted range hood would be difficult to install.

Venting Through the Wall

1

Turn off the breaker to the outlet that powers the stove at the circuit breaker panel.

2

Measure the size and location of the vent opening on the back of the stove, and with a pencil, mark the opening on the wall against which the stove will be located. Find the studs in this wall with a stud finder, and mark the stud locations on the wall. If the vent opening does not reside cleanly in between the two nearest studs, check the installation guide for your range about how to adjust the position of the vent so that you do not have to cut any wall studs. Then reposition the vent and the marks on the wall accordingly.

3

Cut around the perimeter of the vent markings with a utility knife, and remove the piece of drywall. Gently push back the insulation to reach the exterior wall sheathing, checking for any electrical cables that may be in the way. If any wiring is impeding the vent installation, stop and call an electrician for assistance in relocating the wiring.

4

Drill pilot holes in the exterior sheathing and siding corresponding to each corner of the vent opening with a long 1/2-inch drill bit and a power drill. Then, go outside and cut out the perimeter of the vent opening between the four corner holes with a reciprocating saw.

5

Apply a bead of exterior caulk to the flange around the wall cap included with the stove, then slide the duct through the opening and attach the wall cap to the siding with the stainless steel mounting screws. Wipe away any caulking that seeps out from the flange around the siding.

6

Position the downdraft stove in front of the opening. Connect the flexible vent hose between the duct in the wall and the vent opening on the back stove, then push the stove into place. Connect the power cord to the wall outlet. Turn on the breaker and test the operation of the stove.

Venting Between Floor Joists

1

Turn off the breaker to the outlet that powers the stove at the circuit breaker panel.

2

Tilt the stove back and measure the size and location of the vent opening on the bottom of of the stove, and with a pencil, mark the opening on the floor beneath the installation location. Locate the floor joists with a stud finder, and mark the joist locations on the floor. If the vent opening does not reside cleanly in between the two nearest joists, check the installation guide for your range about how to adjust the position of the vent so that you do not have to cut any joists. Then reposition the vent and the marks on the floor accordingly.

3

Drill a 1/2-inch hole in each of the four corners of the cutout, taking care that you do not drive the bit too deeply into the crawl space below. Then enter the crawl space and locate the four holes of the mounting location. Pull back the insulation, checking for any electrical cables that may be in the way. If any wiring is impeding the vent installation, stop and call an electrician for assistance in relocating the wiring.

4

After checking for electrical wiring in the install location, return to the kitchen and cut out the perimeter of the vent opening between the four corner holes with a reciprocating saw. Then position the stove into place over the hole.

5

Crawl underneath the kitchen and slip the rectangular duct into the cutout and into the base of the vent housing beneath the stove. Attach a 6-inch metal elbow to the duct, and attach the elbow with 6-inch metal duct clamp.

6

Add a section of 6-inch duct to the end of the elbow, connecting the two with a metal duct clamp. Wrap a section of metal vent strap around the duct and attach it to the nearest joist with a 1 1/2-inch wood screw. Continue adding sections of duct and hanging straps until you reach the perimeter wall of the house where you wish to mount the vent.

7

Drill pilot holes in the exterior sheathing and siding corresponding to each corner of the vent opening with a long 1/2-inch drill bit and a power drill. Then, go outside and cut out the perimeter of the vent opening between the four corner holes with a reciprocating saw.

8

Apply a bead of exterior caulk to the flange around the wall cap included with the stove, then slide the duct through the opening and connect the ducting under the house before attaching the wall cap to the siding with the stainless steel mounting screws. Wipe away any caulking that seeps out from the flange around the siding.

9

Connect the power cord to the wall outlet. Turn on the breaker and test the operation of the stove.

Things You Will Need

Tape measure

Stud finder

Utility knife

Power drill with screw tip

1/2-inch drill bit

Reciprocating saw

Exterior caulk

6-inch metal duct

6-inch metal elbow

6-inch vent clamps

Wall cap

Metal vent straps

1 1/2-inch screws

Warning

When working with power tools, always wear approved safety glasses to prevent damage to your eyes from debris and sawdust.

About the Author

Chris Baylor has been writing about various topics, focusing primarily on woodworking, since 2006. You can see his work in publications such as "Consumer's Digest," where he wrote the 2009 Best Buys for Power Tools and the 2013 Best Buys for Pressure Washers.